Hi Joe, how has this been holding up long term? I noticed on my stock fittings there’s a small lip to hold the rubber bushing in place. I’m guessing it’s not needed as the bushing is compressed around the PVC by the threaded collar when tightened up? The plumbing plans and veturi I got off your site made this process a ton easier! Thanks!
Is the water coming out of the chilller supposed to be close to what you set it at?I just set mine up and it’s not much colder than the ambient temp..maybe it takes a bit? Or maybe mine is defective?
It should chill to what you set it at, you may need to look into how your plumbing is set up to ensure it is set up for success, or it may be defective.
Working on my build now. Why go with flexible spa PVC vs Hard PVC? I have not understood this yet. Seems like hard PVC would be cheaper and make more sense. What am I missing?
100 gallon tub framed using your plan. I want to go AA 1/4 route- will your plumbing bundle course also work with the AA? Wanted to make sure before I purchase. And I guess a 3/4” bulkhead instead of the 1”? Thank you for all of the material!
If you make this modification, you can follow pretty much everything else except the pump to chiller connection. I went with a 1" bulkhead bc the inner diameter is closer to 3/4" pipe
Followed your instructions, but I noticed when you put the grommets on a three-quarter pipe, it’s a little bit bigger than the active aqua pipe so it doesn’t fit down in the hole as much. You have to really tighten down the screw cap and afraid it might mess up the threads. You should definitely build these and sell them. People would buy them.
If I have a 100 gallon Rubbermaid tub and have it spray foamed with 3" of closed cell foam and your style lid in Milwaukee WI outside all year can I use a 1/4 HP active aqua chiller or do I should I use the 1/2HP one or even the 1HP? I found the 1/4 for around $500 and both the 1/2 and 1HP are about $1000.
Have you ever had any leaks come from your chiller? I have the same one and I’m suspect that the bottom of my chiller is leaking. No leaks from the fitting on top but it seems like the stones on ground are wet often and my water level drops daily. I don’t think it’s condensation either.
@@DIYColdPlunge it was new from a hydroponic shop online. I’ve been using it for 4 months or so and just started noticing it this past month. I’m also not sure if it could be the bulk fittings on my tub. I really would like to switch to a rectangle tub and put the drain on the bottom as well. Just tough to find a rectangle tub.
The water usually leaks from the top connectors into the unit and then trickles out the bottom. I had this exact issue and it’s resolved with this fix. To test if your connectors are leaking wrap a towel around the connectors. After a few hours or a day see if there is still water coming out the bottom. If not, you found the source of the leak which could be the connectors
There's no wrong choice. Penguin will likely have a lead time but can go a few degrees lower (irrelevant IMO if you have proper circulation). The AA is easier to use and a bit quieter. I've been using AA in my recent builds
Ah got it. I personally just like having everything PVC. Not a huge fan of vinyl tubing and there is so much flexibility in design with PVC fittings. Nothing wrong with going barbed at all.
The threads for the union that come with the chiller are 1.25” NPT which means you can use 1.25” female or threaded female elbow. So no need to destroy your unions boys and girls
Not true at all… I would suggest you try it first bc the threads are exact . Also I’m a pool builder I know pvc you don’t need to use unions at all just a threaded fitting with teflon tape and a reducer to fit the rest of the systems plumbing size
This is what I’ve been waiting for! Everyone seems to be stuck on using the barb fitting that come with it. I just bought one and was searching for npt size
Speaking of chillers… did you ever create the comparison video or a download comparing them? What size chillers are needed?
Hopefully posting that soon! I've had a few different brands to compare now.
Joe, thanks for all your videos on the subject. All well done. much appreciated.
Thank you!
Hi Joe, how has this been holding up long term? I noticed on my stock fittings there’s a small lip to hold the rubber bushing in place. I’m guessing it’s not needed as the bushing is compressed around the PVC by the threaded collar when tightened up?
The plumbing plans and veturi I got off your site made this process a ton easier! Thanks!
Zero issues here!
Did you cement the flexible pvc to the hard pvc? Or is there something you did to prevent leakage from that connection?
Yep, the flex bonds just like regular PVC - diycoldplunge.com/products/flexible-pvc-spa-hose
I’m currently using a 150 gallon Rubbermaid stock tank. What brand and size of chiller do you recommend?
Depends on how well you insulate and your climate! 1/4HP gets it done for me.
Is the water coming out of the chilller supposed to be close to what you set it at?I just set mine up and it’s not much colder than the ambient temp..maybe it takes a bit? Or maybe mine is defective?
It should chill to what you set it at, you may need to look into how your plumbing is set up to ensure it is set up for success, or it may be defective.
Working on my build now. Why go with flexible spa PVC vs Hard PVC? I have not understood this yet. Seems like hard PVC would be cheaper and make more sense. What am I missing?
You have to be extremely precise with your cuts, measurements and placement. If you're good with hard PVC there's no issue at all 👍
100 gallon tub framed using your plan. I want to go AA 1/4 route- will your plumbing bundle course also work with the AA? Wanted to make sure before I purchase. And I guess a 3/4” bulkhead instead of the 1”? Thank you for all of the material!
If you make this modification, you can follow pretty much everything else except the pump to chiller connection. I went with a 1" bulkhead bc the inner diameter is closer to 3/4" pipe
How does the Active Aqua chiller compare to the EcoPlus? I am looking at 1/2 hp versions for use in an insulated barrel or tub.
My 1/4HP perform pretty much the same. Nothing noticeable to report in on.
Followed your instructions, but I noticed when you put the grommets on a three-quarter pipe, it’s a little bit bigger than the active aqua pipe so it doesn’t fit down in the hole as much. You have to really tighten down the screw cap and afraid it might mess up the threads. You should definitely build these and sell them. People would buy them.
I've thought of that! We will see if I can get that done.
If I have a 100 gallon Rubbermaid tub and have it spray foamed with 3" of closed cell foam and your style lid in Milwaukee WI outside all year can I use a 1/4 HP active aqua chiller or do I should I use the 1/2HP one or even the 1HP? I found the 1/4 for around $500 and both the 1/2 and 1HP are about $1000.
I used a 1/4HP last summer with no issues! Similar climate to you.
I was upgraded from 1/4 HP to a full 1hp for no charge due to lack of stock, it's going to be freezing.
Same process/measurements for Eco Plus? This is great. Seems like PVC is just a cleaner way...
Yep exact same process and I agree 100%
Have you ever had any leaks come from your chiller? I have the same one and I’m suspect that the bottom of my chiller is leaking. No leaks from the fitting on top but it seems like the stones on ground are wet often and my water level drops daily. I don’t think it’s condensation either.
I haven't had that issue. Where did you get your chiller from?
@@DIYColdPlunge it was new from a hydroponic shop online. I’ve been using it for 4 months or so and just started noticing it this past month. I’m also not sure if it could be the bulk fittings on my tub. I really would like to switch to a rectangle tub and put the drain on the bottom as well. Just tough to find a rectangle tub.
@@Derrick_Evans could be condensation from the chiller. similar to how you would get a puddle under a car when sat with the air con on.
The water usually leaks from the top connectors into the unit and then trickles out the bottom. I had this exact issue and it’s resolved with this fix. To test if your connectors are leaking wrap a towel around the connectors. After a few hours or a day see if there is still water coming out the bottom. If not, you found the source of the leak which could be the connectors
Pulling the trigger today. Penguin or Active Aqua if I can get both for around same price…?
There's no wrong choice. Penguin will likely have a lead time but can go a few degrees lower (irrelevant IMO if you have proper circulation). The AA is easier to use and a bit quieter. I've been using AA in my recent builds
@@DIYColdPlunge If 1/4 HP is impossible to source due to supply constraints do you recommend upsizing to 1/2 HP?
Have you converted a Vevor chiller to PVC like you did this active aqua?
I haven't... I've stuck to Active Aqua, EcoPlus and Penguin.
do it Joe - i need the answer to this as well haha
@@DIYColdPlunge
haha I'll see if I can get my hands on one.@@jakeatkins8463
Would this be the same for a Vevor .33 hp Chiller?
No, I will be adding a tutorial for that soon.
Any benefit of making these connections over buying the ones that the company sells? I don’t want to buy another size hole saw 😂
I’m referring to the 3/4” barbed fitting that they sell for the 1/4 HP chiller btw
Ah got it. I personally just like having everything PVC. Not a huge fan of vinyl tubing and there is so much flexibility in design with PVC fittings. Nothing wrong with going barbed at all.
What size is the pvc?
3/4"
How big of a chiller are you using there?
1/4HP, also going to test a 1/10HP
What size chiller would you recommend for use in the Arizona heat?
Why would we do this btw ? What benefits does it have ??
A lot of people have leaks from the connectors. So you only need to do this if you have a leak from them
@@p3rs1st911 thank you!!
Leaky connections like stated here, but I also just prefer PVC for the whole system
@@DIYColdPlunge Does this increase water flow at all?
The threads for the union that come with the chiller are 1.25” NPT which means you can use 1.25” female or threaded female elbow. So no need to destroy your unions boys and girls
This isn't true, they are close but you'll likely have leaks.
Not true at all… I would suggest you try it first bc the threads are exact . Also I’m a pool builder I know pvc you don’t need to use unions at all just a threaded fitting with teflon tape and a reducer to fit the rest of the systems plumbing size
This is what I’ve been waiting for! Everyone seems to be stuck on using the barb fitting that come with it. I just bought one and was searching for npt size
Replying to confirm that this was a bad idea and I ended up with leaks, the threads are slightly different.
Has anyone tried the deep dive wellness chiller?
I've used Active Aqua 1/4HP, EcoPlus 1/4HP, Active Aqua 1/2HP and Penguin 1/2HP. All are good 👍